Sigma Chi to move to Fraternity Row

Sigma Chi will move into the prominent house on 14 Fraternity Row, formerly the residence of Zeta Beta Tau before the chapter lost its charter last December amidst allegations of drug use and hazing.

The competition for the prime real estate was stiff, and Sigma Chi bested applications from Kappa Sigma and Phi Kappa Psi.

The new tenants aim to use their campus headquarters to eliminate stereotypes and set a positive example on the row.

"One of our goals as a leadership organization is to bring more diversity to the row and try to bridge a gap between the Greek community and the rest of campus," Chapter President Ryan Kennedy said. "It can only get better from here."

Kennedy, a junior environmental science and policy  major, hopes the increased visibility that comes from having a house on the row will attract more people to fundraisers or rush events, and called the location next to Route 1 "the best on the row." The chapter, founded in 1945, has been living in a rented house on Knox Road.

Before nearly 40 brothers can lay claim to the rooms in early June, the house will be refurnished with funding from the chapter's national headquarters.

"We want to give the inside a more Sigma Chi feel by redoing the living room and study rooms," Kennedy said. "We're going to be putting family trees in the halls to remind everyone of how far we've come."

Bob Nichols, assistant director for Greek Facilities, who selected the new tenants, said the fraternity's strong leadership credentials and close relationship with alumni set them apart from the rest of the pack.

"In the past, it seemed like the fraternity we selected was much stronger than the other applicants, but in this case, we had to pick the strongest among equals," he said.
Nichols said Sigma Chi will only improve after taking up residence on the row.

"Moving into the house will have a big impact on the chapter," Nichols said. "People are going to be much more aware of what goes on in this organization with their letters emblazoned on the portico."

hemmati@umdbk.com